Hungry crocodile steals fish from Top End anglers

Two Darwin fishermen have been stalked by a hungry crocodile resolute on stealing their catch.

Building contractors Sam Barker and Daniel Noonan had finished up work and went out in a tinnie in search for barramundi earlier this week.

The problem was the anglers were not the only predators patrolling the waters, with a 3m saltwater crocodile trailing their every move.

In true Darwin style, the boys recounted the close encounter to Channel 9 at the local pub.

"We've got a bit of a visitor, he likes a barra too apparently," Barker says in mobile phone footage of the beast.

"He's coming closer and closer ay.

"F--- you crocodile."

The croc is seen snaking towards the pair, who had pulled their small boat on to the mud flats to fish a gutter.

"I think he knew because we had other barra in the boat… He could smell it," Barker said.

"He knew what was going on, he was pretty clever."

The pair threw the hungry intruder a salmon to appease its appetite, but it proved too small a meal.

While Noonan was reeling in another fish, the crocodile charged straight at the anglers to steal the fresh catch off the hook.